Esophageal Cancer
What is
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer starts when abnormal cells begin to grow in the lining of the esophagus — the long, hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach and helps move swallowed food down for digestion.
This cancer usually begins in the innermost layer of the esophagus and can spread over time to deeper layers, nearby tissues, or other parts of the body. It often spreads through the lymphatic system, which is a network of small vessels that help carry fluids and fight infections in the body.
What are the
Types Of Esophageal Cancer
Squamous Cell Cancer
It starts in the flat cells lining the inside of the esophagus. This type is more common in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus and is often linked to habits like smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Adenocarcinoma
It begins in the glandular cells that produce mucus and is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. It has become more common in recent years, especially in people with long-term acid reflux.
Squamous Cell Cancer
It starts in the flat cells lining the inside of the esophagus. This type is more common in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus and is often linked to habits like smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Adenocarcinoma
It begins in the glandular cells that produce mucus and is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. It has become more common in recent years, especially in people with long-term acid reflux.
Esophageal Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Hoarseness
Difficulty Swallowing
Coughing
Vomiting Blood
Indigestion and Heartburn
Unintentional Weight Loss
Chest Pain, Pressure Or Burning
Food Sticking In Esophagus
Esophageal Cancer
Causes
- Smoking and Heavy Alcohol Consumption increases the chance.
- Using tobacco, which includes inhaling and using smokeless tobacco.
- Age Over 50
- Obesity
Esophageal Cancer
Diagnosis
Biopsy
A thin tube called an endoscope is passed down your throat and into your esophagus to collect sample of any suspicious tissue. This sample is then sent to check if there are any cancer cells.
Barium Swallow X-Ray
The patient is asked to drink a liquid that contains barium, which coats the inside of the esophagus. Then, an X-ray is taken. The barium helps highlight the esophagus on the X-ray.
Endoscopy
Your doctor will gently pass a thin, flexible tube with a camera through your mouth and down into your stomach to check for any irritation, damage, or signs of cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
Treatments
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and patient preferences, and usually involves a combination of:
Surgery
Surgery may be done on its own or combined with other treatments to help remove or destroy the cancer cells.
Endoscopy
For very early-stage tumors, when the cancer is still small and limited to the inner lining.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses special chemicals to kill cancer cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams, like X-rays, to destroy cancer cells.
Immuotherapy
This uses medicines that specifically attack features or weaknesses in cancer cells.
Have A Question?
Commonly Asked Questions
More than 45% will survive their cancer for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed
If caught early, esophageal cancer may be cured with surgery, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation. In more advanced cases, treatment can help control the cancer and improve quality of life.
In the early stages, esophageal cancer usually doesn’t cause pain, which is why it can go unnoticed for some time. As the cancer grows, some people may feel pain or discomfort when swallowing, a burning sensation in the chest, or pain behind the breastbone.